'Brexit betrayal leaves marine life in danger'

Campaigners accuse Labour of U-turn on trawler ban

- Steph Spyro

CAMPAIGNERS have called on Sir Keir Starmer to ban an industrial form of trawling in a bid to make the most of Brexit freedoms.

The Prime Minister, who is hoping to re-set relations with the EU, is facing renewed pressure to protect Britain's fishing industry and marine protected areas by shutting out bottom trawling vessels from the bloc.

This technique involves dragging heavy nets across the seabed which destroys the natural habitat.

Hugo Tagholm, executive director of Oceana UK, said: "As an independent coastal state post-Brexit, the UK should be using its powers to safeguard our seas for wildlife and communities.

"This includes freeing all our marine protected areas, in their entirety, from destructive bottom trawling and standing up to industrial fisheries lobby groups at home and abroad who are seeking to challenge positive progress."